Correlation between laryngoscopic examination and the gastroesophagial reflux in dysphonic patient

Authors : Welby-Gieusse M, Woisard V, Calas M, Serrano E. (Toulouse)

Ref. : Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol. 2008;129,2:107-114.

Article published in french
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Summary :
Objectives: The gastro-sophageal reflux disease is responsible of oto-rhino-laryngological symptoms included dysphonia. We studied the relationship between reflux disease and dysphonia. The research for the prevalence of reflux disease, in a dysphonic population, has been performed by a clinical and laryngoscopic survey. Methods: 175 patients were included prospectively. Each patient replies to the questionnaire and see the physician to do a laryngoscopic examination during the same time. A physician jury sees all videos to determine gastro-sophagial reflux disease laryngoscopic signs. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found for vocal dema and posterior hypertrophia in relation with reflux. Conclusion: We have pointed out that laryngoscopy is not an adequate diagnosis tool, because it is operator dependant. Nevertheless the diagnosis of gastro-sophageal reflux disease, regarding the vocal symptoms, is proposed when associated with clinic reflux signs (pyrosis).